CHAPTER 15 – SPINAL IMPAIRMENT RATING REVIEW USING THE AMA GUIDES, 5TH EDITION  – Continuing Education

DISCLAIMER: The following course material contains the opinions of the author and does not reflect the opinions of the Division of Workers’ Compensation, or associated entities. This course is intended to be used as a reference tool in assisting QMEs, and is not to be relied on as legal advice.

The course is approved for a maximum of 6 hours, QMEs should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. After completing the course, please download and complete the examination. You must successfully get a score of 70% or greater to pass and a copy of the certificate will be emailed to you.

Course Outline: 

⦁ Understanding Impairment Ratings
⦁ The Spine
⦁ DRE Method

⦁ Applying the DRE Method
⦁ DRE Rating Examples

⦁ Rating Corticospinal Tract Damage
⦁ Pain-Related Impairment
⦁ Criteria For Rating Impairment Due To Pelvic Injury
⦁ ROM Method

⦁ Spinal Measurements
⦁ Specific Spine Disorders
⦁ Nerve Root/Spinal Cord Component
⦁ ROM Rating Examples
⦁ Alternative Spinal Ratings
⦁ Using ROM Method instead of DRE

*Required Text: AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 5th Edition